Circuit vélo loisir Le lac de Ponty

Ready for a little bike ride? The circuit, measuring 12 km, invites you to start by the shore of Lake Ponty. This charming body of water, covering 18 hectares, will undoubtedly offer you a beautiful landscape spectacle thanks to its natural setting between lake and forests. Before warming up your calves, take the time to indulge in a stroll along the lake. After a few km in your legs, it will be time to pause briefly to visit the small commune of Chaveroche! We leave the bikes nearby and let ourselves go on an adventure. First, head to the highest point of the commune, Puy de Queyriaux, which rises to an altitude of 787 m. The site offers you a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside and the Puy de Sancy. A walk in the village gives you the chance to stumble upon a beautiful curiosity... The church of Saint-Clair. The religious building surprises with its architecture, indeed its bell tower is mounted on the common wall of the presbytery. Its construction dates back to before the 14th century and it was remodeled in the 17th and 18th centuries. A visit to its choir will allow you to admire a magnificent altarpiece dating from the 17th century. It is already time for the family to place their hands back on the handlebars; there is still a beautiful stretch before returning to Lake Ponty... Now the circuit leads you to the gates of the lovely city of Ussel... A place with a rich past, full of numerous historical sites. To familiarize yourself with Ussel's architectural heritage, one must be attentive, for architectural and historical treasures abound. The city having been under the influence of English troops during the Hundred Years' War, the old town remains deeply marked by this period of medieval occupation. This can be seen through the granite houses and slate roofs. And that’s not all... Numerous fountains and magnificent chapels beautifully adorn the urban landscape. You should not miss visiting the beautiful church of Saint-Martin, whose choir and apse are characteristic of Romanesque art. During Roman rule, Ussel drew significant interest from the victorious Romans, as Caesar's army established a legion to monitor the Clermont-Bordeaux axis. An imposing sculpture is also still present to testify to this time, a majestic royal eagle measuring 1.87 m (800 kg). Among the sites to see, the Ducal House of Ventadours is a must-visit! This beautiful residence built in the 16th century with stones from the old ruined castle is distinguished by its octagonal staircase tower. The Renaissance door (restored in the 19th century) is one of the most remarkable in the department! To finish your visit to Ussel on a high note, how about pushing open the doors of the Ussel country museum? Opened in 1976, the museum is dedicated to the history, arts, and traditions of the Ussel region. Classified as a Museum of France, the site offers you an original and complete visiting experience with a route that takes you to discover four typical buildings from the suburbs of old Ussel... They house within their walls a collection of art and popular traditions, tapestries from Marche, printing materials, and religious art. For a playful experience, game booklets are provided to children for free for discovery courses to be done with family.